Insight and Ideas

​With Mercury station Direct and the final pass of the Jupiter-Neptune trine we are getting ready to move forward from a place of optimism and faith once more in our lives. If you think you have lost that part of yourself this week can remind you of how to reignite that inner fire.

When the moon is in Virgo it is a good time to get the little things done. You know, those things that only take a few moments but we tend to put off for no good reason? Virgo is great at productivity. So whether it’s a lot of little projects or a larger project with lots of little details Virgo moon can help you out.

Tuesday August 14th ~What’s going on today: Moon in Libra

This week there aren’t a lot of planetary aspects so we can always talk about the moon. The moon rules our moods and is ever changing, just like our moods. Today has the moon in Libra which is an air sign whose symbol is the scales. Libra loves balance and harmony. We can find balance internally or we can create it externally through deliberate design choices. We can design our environment, our garden, our relationships, anything we want. The thing is that when something comes along to knock us off balance how can we flow back into a state of balance naturally? Look around you today to see how you can improve the balance in your own life.

Wednesday August 15th ~ What’s going on today: Moon in Libra

Another day with the moon in Libra. In many ways right now we are trying to balance between what we want for ourselves (sun and Mercury in Leo) with what society wants for us (Mars, Saturn and Pluto in Capricorn). This tension between our personal needs and what we are allowed or expected to do for the larger community is sometimes at odds but the Libra moon can aid us in coming to a sense of peace about it all.

It’s a change in tone from yesterday with the moon now in Scorpio. The Scorpio moon tends to be much more focused and driven than the moon in Libra so if you have been slacking off on your work then today is a great day to re-dedicate yourself to making things happen.

Friday August 17th ~ What’s going on today:Moon in Scorpio

It’s been a full week of only lunar aspects which is helping us recuperate from the eclipse season we have had over the past month or so. We might feel like things are going very slowly as Mercury retrograde is slowing down once again as he prepares to station direct this weekend. Use today’s Scorpio moon energy to focus on what’s most important. Scorpio loves priorities.

What it means:It’s a good day, even if it feels like things are moving slower than molasses in January. Mercury stations direct which means Mercury retrograde is now over! And while he is stationing he makes a nice trine aspect to Venus in her home sign of Libra, adding a bit of ease and please to the day. If you have planets or placements in Leo you will be especially happy as Leo has been getting a mixed message from Mercury saying slow down and the eclipses of the past few weeks telling Leo to make changes now!

Questions to ask:What’s REALLY on your mind? How can you make a plan to address those lingering thoughts?

What it means:We have been experiencing this Jupiter-Neptune trine since late last year. This is the third and final pass and ideally we will all have worked out a better spiritual system in the meantime. Jupiter is expansive and associated with hope, faith and optimism. Neptune connects us with a higher plane. These two planets together have made this year wonderful for personal spiritual growth or learning to harness your intuition in a more reliable and profound manner. There is something nebulous about these two planets together so we might not be able to see the a huge difference but if we have been working on expanding our ideal spiritual connection then we should certainly be able to feel the difference between now and back in 2017.

Questions to ask:What does faith look like to you? Are you listening to your inner guidance? Can you expand your daily awareness to include awareness of a higher power?

The big news this week is Mercury station direct. Mercury retrograde is over! Hooray! On a more profound level we are being asked to get in touch with our spiritual side and simply have faith. I gotta have faith.

The biggest news this week is the solar eclipse in Leo, the last eclipse of the summer. “Eclipse season” happens twice a year and this year we have seen a powerful trio of eclipses that have been involved with a lot of other strong astrological signatures. Basically this creates an atmosphere that is ripe for change. Not just ripe. Over ripe. Change is imminent. And with change comes the unknown. Are you ready to face it?

What it means:Uranus spends about half the year in retrograde motion so it’s not unusual for him to be retrograde. At the station, however, when he appears to slow down and then stand still in the sky before starting in his backwards motion he is more powerful. If Uranus is touching things in your chart during his station at 2 and a half degrees Taurus expect the unexpected. Uranus is the cosmic groundshaker, the inventor, and the original rebel. He doesn’t do the expected. He instead creates new ways of doing things. He doesn’t like to go along with the flow and instead he will surprise you. His unpredictable nature makes him understandably hard to predict but you can expect the unusual. If things aren’t working in your life he will help you out by turning everything on its head. Easier to start from scratch if you are outside your comfort zone.

We also have a lovely Venus trine Mars aspect today that is great for relationships. After all the stress with Mars in recent weeks I feel like this lovely aspect is a gift from above. If your relationships have been tense, whether that is romantic, friendly, or work relationships, today is a great day to bridge the gap and bring you both back onto the same page. This is also a sensual day so activities that engage your senses are excellent, anything from making love to working with clay to making apple pie from scratch.

Questions to ask yourself:Where are you complacent and where do you need to make some big changes? If you could shake up one thing in your life what would it be? Where in your life are things begging to be reinvented?

How can you add more sensuality to your life today? How can you engage all 5 senses in an activity? Is there a way for you to come back into harmony in any relationships that might have been stressed lately?

What it means:Mercury is in retrograde motion in the sign of Leo and when retrograde Mercury meets the sun it is the halfway point of the retrograde cycle. It’s a good day. Our thoughts are sharp and bright. We feel optimistic and joyful. If there are lingering issues that have been bothering since Mercury went retrograde those issues should begin to turn around and you should start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Keep your thoughts clear and your attitude positive. Or as Walt Whitman said “Keep your face always toward the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you.”

Questions to ask:How can I reframe my thoughts to be more positive and bright? What issues that I thought wouldn’t go away are now starting to resolve themselves?

What it means:With Venus squaring Saturn today we have a turn around from the Venus-Mars trine of Tuesday. It’s not that we don’t care. It’s not that we don’t feel love or appreciation, it’s just that with Saturn in the mix here Venus has a difficult time expressing herself to those around her. So you might feel a little lonely or misunderstood with an aspect like this being activated. I recommend connecting with spirit through acts such as meditation or getting out in nature. If you do feel like your love life is suffering today go ahead and be patient (Saturn) with yourself. Do something loving (Venus) for yourself. Sometimes our partners don’t always recognize our needs. But if we can feed and nurture our own needs it helps to create healthier relationships in the long run.

Questions to ask:How can I make a commitment to love myself more today? Can I connect with my intuition and inner guidance today? What does the foundation of my love life look like and is that foundation stable?

Friday August 10th ~ What’s going on today:Moon in Leo

We have a new moon solar eclipse in the sign of Leo tomorrow which means today we have the dark of the moon. This means that we might be feeling low energy. If that is the case for you honor your body. Leo the Lion is athletic and fast but he also spends time resting as needed. With the moon in Leo allow your inner lion to do what feels right.

What it means:The solar eclipse today is the third and final eclipse of this summer’s “eclipse season”. It’s a partial eclipse but even so can be powerful from an astrological perspective, especially if it’s hitting something in your chart. There are a few interesting formations in the eclipse chart including a wide yod involving Neptune and Pluto with the sun and moon at the apex. This speaks of spiritual transcendence, if you allow yourself to reach for that. What does that sort of spiritual growth look like for you? Non-attachment combined with a higher perspective that elevates consciousness. Another formation is the Mercury square Jupiter which has Mercury Rx conjunct the sun and moon, and all three square Jupiter. This aspect speaks of being pulled into the mundane or being pulled into something greater. The struggle is real. Do we walk our spiritual talk? Are we able to manifest into reality the actions of the person we truly desire to be? Or do we continue to act from a lower vibration while trying to raise ourselves up higher?

The Sabian Symbol for 19 degrees Leo is “A Houseboat Party.” Hey, what Leo doesn’t like a good party? But in actually this represents bringing all the various aspects of ourselves into a harmonious place of balance where we can float along and go with the flow. Do you think you can do this? Or are you at war with yourself? Inner conflict isn’t pretty but when we have a new moon, especially a solar eclipse, it gives us the opportunity to unite (conjunct) our head (sun) and our heart (moon) so that we can come together as one and move forward from a united front. And we can have fun doing it. What does your houseboat party look like? Is it full of misfits doing their own thing or is it an elegant affair with only the best dressed in attendance? I only ask because how you envision this is an important insight into how you see yourself and all the disparate pieces of you.

Questions to ask:Do we walk our spiritual talk? Are we able to manifest into reality the actions of the person we truly desire to be? Or do we continue to act from a lower vibration while trying to raise ourselves up higher?

What it means:Mars is considered exalted in the sign of Capricorn so as he moves in retrograde motion back into that sign we begin to see what it is we need to be doing. Mars hasn’t really known where to put him abundant energy lately. And if he is undirected he can become agitate, angry or anxious. If you have been feeling any of those symptoms Mars moving into Capricorn can help you refocus on your goals. If Mars has something he can actually do then he is happier. He likes to be busy. Give him a job and he can do it. But if he feels like he doesn’t have a purpose or if nothing he does has any meaning then he gets frustrated. Refocus on your larger goals and get to work.

The sign of Leo has the sun, moon, Mercury, north node plus the asteroid Pallas in it during the partial solar eclipse this week. Leo … the pressure is on! It’s time to unveil the brand new you, even if you are still a work in progress. Step up. It’s all going to be okay.

​We have less aspects this week than we had last week but it’s still a tense one with Mars retrograde in Aquarius squaring Uranus in Taurus. If you are feeling reckless I would ask you to take a deep breath and count to ten before taking any action. We might be rash but we feel this way for a reason. Now just take that count of ten to decide whether or not the reason is a good one! Monday July 30th ~ What’s going on today: Moon in PiscesIt’s an easy going day with the moon in Pisces. Practice going with the flow. If going with the flow is difficult for you practice twice as hard! Just kidding. Roll with it. It’s okay. Really.

Tuesday July 31st ~What’s going on today: Moon in Pisces void-of-course at 4:42 PM MDTIt’s another easy going day with the moon in Pisces yet again. I hear the music from Porgy and Bess in my head now. “Summertime … and the livin’ is easy.” We have had a lot of tension lately so it’s good to have some mellow days to offset the craziness that is eclipse season. We are still in it, don’t forget.

Wednesday August 1st ~ What’s going on today: Moon enters Aries at 4:54 AM MDTMars square UranusWhat it means:Mars and Uranus are doing a little dance together, over the course of several months, or rather should I say they are having a bit of a street fight? It started in May with the first pass, today is the second pass, and the 3rd pass is in September. Mars is our motivation, our willpower, our action. Uranus is spontaneous, rhythmic, and shocking. When they square off you can expect sparks to fly. Anytime we have a Uranus aspect it’s a chance to work on being more in the present moment. We may feel heightened anxiety because we feel the vibration is higher. And truthfully that really is what Uranus is all about: raising our vibration. If we are living in a manner that is unhealthy or unbalanced we often get a shock under an aspect like this that forces us out of our own way. Take your time and be careful today as most people will be impatient and even reckless. If you practice martial arts use that mindset and those exercises in your favor today. Ultimately this transit is about rebelling against the things in your life that aren’t working and figuring out what actions to take in order to bring about a new world order in your daily life. Think about that for a bit.Questions to ask:What can we do, what actions can we take, to raise our vibration? How can I be more in the present moment and embrace the now? How can I channel my physical energy in a manner that helps me overcome the stress I feel right now?

Thursday August 2nd ~ What’s going on today: Moon in Aries void-of-course at 8:52 PM MDTWe still will be feeling the effects of the Mars-Uranus square from yesterday and the moon in Aries only adds to the combative nature of the day. Be a responsible soldier. Complete your training. Do your work out. Stay physically active. If you do all those things you will be just fine.

Friday August 3rd ~ What’s going on today:Moon enters Taurus at 1:51 PM MDTThe moon is void-of-course all morning until it enters Taurus in the afternoon. Use the morning to finish up lingering tasks and for routine or repetitive work. Once the moon enters Taurus you can get started on some new project you might have going on today. But I think a low key day in is order with the separating Mars-Uranus aspect from earlier this week which had us all stressed out!

Saturday August 4th ~ What’s going on today: Moon in TaurusThe moon is comfortable in Taurus and enjoys things like art, gardening and nature. Taurus also appreciates good food. A great thing to do today is to head to the farmers market where you can find both fresh produce and artisan products, and get inspired as to how you would like to spend your leisure time today.

Sunday August 5th ~What’s going on today:Moon in Taurus void-of-course at 5:46 PM MDTMoon enters Gemini at 7:32 PM MDTIt’s a good weekend for relaxing with the Taurus moon yesterday and today. If you like getting outside do that! Take a hike, explore a local park, or simply sit and enjoy your own backyard. If you can plan a picnic or a barbecue that will please the Taurus moon and it sounds like fun to me, too!

While we have the continuation of the Mars-Uranus square this week (phase 2 of 3) we overthwise have a relatively mild week. We are being asked about what changes we need to make in order to make our lives better. It’s out with the old and in with the new. If you can figure out how to transform your life and manifest a new reality this is the week to focus on that!

The highlight this week is the full moon lunar eclipse strongly conjunct the south node and Mars. Expect things getting blown out of proportion and some ultimatums, too. This is the chance to release emotional attachments and that’s not an easy thing. Let’s take some notes from the Buddhists this week and work on the art of non-attachment. Oh, and just for added fun we have Mercury retrograde in Leo, too.

Monday July 23rd ~ What’s going on today: Moon in Sagittarius

When the moon is in Sagittarius our sense of adventure gets activated. Whether we are traveling new ideas or new territory it’s a great way to use the lunar energy of the day.

What it means:With Venus opposite Neptune we can become lost in our own fantasies. This can be magical and wonderful if we are working on envisioning and imagining the life of our dreams. It can also be difficult if we are waiting for someone to come and “save us” from our problems. I sometimes call hard aspects with Venus and Neptune the “white knight syndrome”. We can get a romantic notion of our personal hero coming to rescue us from our life situation. While this is a popular topic in fairy tales and a romantic notion … in reality in our modern age it can cause disempowerment and a sense of longing that no one can truly live up to in real life. Be your own white knight and save yourself … and then figure out how you can share an especially romantic time with your love.

Questions to ask yourself:Are you projecting onto others? Can you ask yourself to do what you are hoping another person will do for you? How can you add a spark of magic and romance into your day?

What it means:When the sun and Uranus are square we have two very independent influences rubbing up against each other. Ideally this will help us stay in the moment. But I can also see that this might have an influence of wanting to do two different things at the same time and becoming impatient with ourselves or our situations. As long as we can stay level headed and breathe through any frustrations that arise we will be good. Remember that the point of power is always the present moment.

Ah Mercury retrograde. Many people find this influence to be quite difficult. Personally I kinda like it. Mercury rules things like traffic, communication, and technology and often during the Mercury retrograde period these areas of life become more problematic. But remember that with Mercury in retrograde motion we have the chance to go back and fix things that aren’t working for us. I think that is why I like Mercury retrograde because I have always needed to edit different parts of my life and Mercury retrograde gives me a great opportunity to do so. I don’t need to get things perfect the first time around, I can revisit those things next Mercury retrograde and make whatever adjustments I might need to make. There is a simple beauty to the process which I find quite appealing. I know not everyone likes to redo things in their lives. But if you can keep a sense of humor and be patient then there is nothing about Mercury retrograde that can get the better of you.

Questions to ask:How can I actively stay in the present moment? If I am starting to feel impatient what can I do to bring my person back into a state of balance?

What areas in my life need some adjustment? What isn’t working quite right? How can I revitalize my surroundings as well as my own energy?

What it means:With the sun in Leo opposite a retrograde Mars in Aquarius there is definitely some tension in the air today. We can use this energy wisely by channeling toward projects that support the greater good while also fulfilling our own personal needs. But sometimes we don’t always channel our own energy properly, and sometimes we run into others who aren’t channeling their energy well, either. When we have opposition aspects we often have conflict with the other person in the room. And neither Mars nor the sun shies away from conflict today. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself or to speak up, especially if something has been bothering you for a while. But try to speak up for yourself conscientiously and calmly, despite the tendency to shout today. This is a great day for martial arts or other athletic activities, especially those done with a partner. This same energy will still be active for tomorrow’s full moon lunar eclipse so stay tuned!

Questions to ask yourself:Am I angry at someone else or am I really angry with myself? How can I channel my energy into motivation and willpower toward creating a better world for all involved?

What it means:This is a total lunar eclipse visible in the Middle East and parts of India and Africa. If the sky is clear and you are in the area of totality the moon will turn red. As you can imagine the ancients did not consider this a very good omen. The aspect discussed yesterday, Mars opposite sun, is active during this eclipse with the full moon besieged by Mars and the South Node. Ancient forecasters would have certainly considered this as a sign of the downfall of a well loved public figure such as a king or a dictator, perhaps by combat or assassination. In modern times we view eclipses as harbingers of change, although not from quite as fatalistic view. Listen, things are changing. It’s time to let go of some things that might be difficult to release. If you don’t let go on your own you might be forced into this by circumstances or by powers outside your own control. Nobody likes to have their own lives out of their own control. So do what you can to work with the change and to release the old and invite in the new.

The Sabian Symbol for the degree of the full moon is “A Council Of Ancestors Is Seen Implementing The Efforts Of A Young Leader.” This symbol is apropos of the eclipse energy we are dealing with. The council might be made up of elders but even they must give way and make room for changes in the which are inevitable. If you apply this to your own life you can see that even your old way of doing things can support a change in moving toward the future, even if you have always lived the same way. Change is not only possible it is necessary. The wisdom of the elders sees that is so and helps to facilitate the process, rather than resist the process.

Venus trine Pluto can add a nice energy to the day, as long as you are careful about not becoming overly obsessive. Just keep reminding yourself that it’s good to care. It truly is a blessing to care so much! Be careful that you aren’t becoming OCD about those things you care about. A good test is to step back and ask you how important this issue is in the larger picture. If you spent 45 minutes arranging flowers and still can’t get it quite right maybe it’s okay to accept the fact that there are some imperfections in this arrangement, and that is out of your control. As far as relationships go you can utilize this energy (and the eclipse energy as well) to go deeper into a relationship that you are looking to further invest in. Emotional investments are intense but they are also one of the best things about being human. If it’s truly important it’s appropriate to go all in.

Questions to ask yourself:What is it time to say goodbye to in your life? How can you facilitate the new ways of this new era into your own tribe?

In the grand scheme of things how important is your issue today? If it really is that important then take the risk and put your heart on the line. As they say it’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. Where is your heart today?

Saturday July 28th ~ What’s going on today: Moon in Aquarius

Be weird. We might have a bit of a hangover today from the intensity of yesterday but with the moon still in Aquarius you can shrug it off and just be you. You do you boo.

We have a long void-of-course moon today which is great for relaxing or for taking care of routine tasks or housework. Allow yourself to have some down time, if possible It’s been an energetic week and you deserve it!

Last week was like the calm before the storm but this week things are really heating up with the full moon lunar eclipse in Aquarius plus Mercury retrograde in Leo. There is going to be some tension. We are going to need to keep our patience and our sense of humor intact to navigate gracefully!

It’s a quiet week with only lunar aspects happening until Sunday, July 22nd. The moon governs our changing moods and it moves so quickly through the zodiac that as astrologers we usually don’t want to pay too much attention to what the moon is doing because just wait a few hours and it will change again. After the activity of last week this is a welcome change to work on getting life back on an even keel … or as much so as is now possible in the midst of eclipse season.

Monday July 16th ~ What’s going on today: Moon in Virgo

When the moon is in Virgo we desire to be productive. It feels good to be useful, to get things done, to make a difference. All of the earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) share this trait of productivity but it comes out in different ways between those signs. Virgo can be a busy body and have a million little things to do. If you feel like this today go ahead and embrace it and make the most of it!

We have the moon void-of-course for a few hours this morning into early afternoon. When the moon is void-of-course we often have a hard time getting motivated so try to stick with tasks that are routine like checking email and filing paperwork. Once the moon moves into Libra it is good to move forward with new projects that take a little more effort.

Wednesday July 18th ~ What’s going on today: Moon in Libra

When the moon is in Libra we often put our attention to things relating to the sign of Libra: relationships, balance, harmony, compromise, money, art, beauty. Remember that balance is something that is always changing so if you do feel off balance it is appropriate to make adjustments. Give and take. Push and pull. You and me.

With the moon void-of-course in the afternoon you will want to make sure to get important tasks completed in the morning while you still have energy. Once the moon moves into Scorpio in the evening it will also be a good time to get things accomplished.

Friday July 20th ~ What’s going on today:Moon in Scorpio

With the moon in Scorpio there is a lot going on but much of it happens on the inside in the realm of emotions. Scorpio is a great detective who wants to figure out what is going on with everyone else. Scorpio also wants to make sure they keep their own business and feelings private. So if you do feel like you have a lot going on inside today but aren’t sure if you are ready to share it is okay to keep it to yourself, at least for now.

Saturday July 21st ~ What’s going on today: Moon in Scorpio

It’s another day with the moon in Scorpio. Scorpio is known for being able to read between the lines. All of the water signs have an affinity for psychic work and with Scorpio it often relates to what is going on with other people. So pay attention to your intuition today! If this is an area you would like to further develop use this day as practice.

What it means:Venus and Jupiter can be too much of a good thing. Or they can be exactly the right amount of a good thing. This is great energy for socializing and enjoying yourself. Just be careful not to overdo it.

The sun enters the sign of Leo today. Let’s hear your best roar! Leo is known for creativity and entertainment. Leo is an interpersonal sign so it needs relationships with others in order to express their true selves. I often say that Leo loves applause, and loves having an audience, and I don’t just mean in the traditional sense. What I mean is in the sense that we all need to be appreciated by others for our contribution and Leo needs this most of all. Show others you care over the next month while the sun is in Leo. And ask for others to show you that they care, too.

Questions to ask yourself:How can I truly enjoy myself and the people around me today? How can I add a spirit of love and generosity to the mix?

How can you creatively entertain yourself and your friends over the next month? How can I appreciate the people around me and how can I better appreciate myself?

It’s a light week in terms of aspects and we end with the sun moving into the sign of Leo. I think of a big cat lounging gracefully in the sun, knowing that they are the most important thing in the vicinity. Can you allow yourself to do this, too? Give it a try.

Eclipse season is here! We have a solar eclipse in Cancer this week as well as Jupiter stationing direct. It’s going to be a busy week! What do you have planned?Things are changing this week and we might not even be able to see exactly what changes are in store for us yet. But as we learn to embrace the moment (Venus trine Uranus) and let go of what no longer serves us in our lives (New Moon Solar Eclipse) we can prepare to create a firmer foundation for a life we love (Venus trine Saturn).Monday July 9th ~ What’s going on today: Moon in Taurus void-of-course at 10:10 AM MDTMoon enters Gemini at 10:58 AM MDTMercury square JupiterVenus enters VirgoWhat it means: Mercury is all about the details whereas Jupiter is all about the big picture. When these two planets are in square aspect there can definitely be some tension between those two areas in your life. Maybe you have dreams of taking a big trip (Jupiter) but are having to deal with all the planning that entails (Mercury). Or maybe you are working on decluttering your home (Mercury) but dreaming of getting newer and better items than the ones you already own (Jupiter). Whatever it is for you it’s a great to to work on balancing your thoughts (Mercury) with a sense of optimism and faith (Jupiter). As we remind ourselves that every little thing is gonna be alright we remember that we really are blessed in this world. Venus enters Virgo today and we get an appreciation for precision and efficiency and for all the little things in life. Venus in Virgo doesn’t just stop to smell the roses. She also prunes them and makes sure they are properly nourished as well. This is the chance for you to take a look at your own environment and improve things that aren’t working quite right as well as to add some loving attention to detail to feed your own environment. Venus in Virgo sometimes gets a bad reputation for being over critical but think of it rather as looking for improvement in everything, and being very careful in choices being made.Questions to ask yourself:What are you thinking about today and how can you reframe your thoughts to be more positive? How can you balance the big picture with the details you are dealing with right now?What details in my life need some loving attention? How can I make my environment more beautiful and more efficient at the same time?

Tuesday July 10th ~What’s going on today: Moon in Gemini void-of-course at 2:01 PM MDTJupiter Station DirectWhat it means: Jupiter has been retrograde since March and with the direct station we can rejoice. Anytime a planet stations its effect is magnified and Jupiter is usually a good influence. There can be a tendency for things to get blown out of proportion though so if something like this is happening in your life trust that the root cause is just! Sometimes things get brought to our attention that aren’t that pleasant but in actually dealing with the issue makes our life much better in the long run. Jupiter is just trying to help us out! Jupiter also has a lot to do with our faith, hope and optimism, as well as with our philosophical and spiritual perspectives so you might feel some activation in those areas of your life as well.Questions to ask yourself:What can you do today to be more optimistic and filled with faith? What is looming large in your life right now and how can you resolve it for a more joyful future?

Wednesday July 11th ~ What’s going on today: Moon enters Cancer at 11:59 AM MDTVenus trine UranusWhat it means: With Venus trine Uranus there is a refreshing quality. Both these planets are in earth signs so that also translates to a feeling of being naturally beautiful and in the moment. Uranus truly helps us be more in the moment, and Venus is about what we love, what we appreciate, who we relate to and how we express our affection. This combination is fun and you can often get a spark from a love interest on a day like this. Enjoy it!Questions to ask yourself:How can I embrace a more natural and more simple approach to beauty? How can I be more in the moment and appreciate the things and people around me more?

Thursday July 12th ~ Solar Eclipse in CancerWhat’s going on today: New Moon Solar Eclipse in Cancer 20’41”Sun opposite PlutoMoon in Cancer void-of-course at 8:48 PM MDTWhat it means: The sun opposes Pluto earlier in the day and this aspect is still active at the time of the eclipse so let’s talk about it first. The sun (our ego) is opposing Pluto which can be a transformative energy. One of the symbols often associated with Pluto is the phoenix, the bird that rises from the ashes. But in order to rise from the ashes one must first be burnt to a crisp. Not exactly the most peaceful of transformations but it is a brand new start and a complete release from the old. With oppositions we are often challenged by “the other” and this often comes out in our relationships. If you are embracing change and willing to let to old go then you are a step ahead of most of us, and better able to handle whatever might come. Pluto can invoke an element of fear because it truly represents the dark and unknown. But we do not have to be afraid of the darkness or the unknown as we have the sun on our side, if only we remember that we carry that light within us.The new moon solar eclipse is the first in a series of three eclipses during this summer’s eclipse season. The sign of Cancer is about home and family, and also about our own personal comfort zone. I think that Cancer gets a reputation for nurturing others because they are often feeling uncomfortable and so they want to do what they can to add comfort to the lives of others as well.The Sabian Symbol for the new moon solar eclipse is “A Famous Singer Is Proving Her Virtuosity During An Operatic Performance”. There is something incredibly nourishing about sharing our gifts and our art with the world and this new moon asks you to think about how and where you are sharing your own gifts. If you think that you aren’t good at anything then you are wrong. THere are things that you love to do, that you are good at doing, that you can share with the people around you. When we follow our bliss we do gain appreciation for ourselves and from others. Think about what you are “acting out” in your own life and whether or not it is worthy of an encore. If it is not then perhaps it is time to change the storyline.Questions to ask yourself:How can I embrace change in my life right now? Where am I afraid and how can I bring my inner light to this area?Where do I allow myself to shine in order to nurture the people around me? Am I comfortable where I am in life and if not what changes can I make to create a more nurturing environment for myself and for my loved ones?

Friday July 13th ~ What’s going on today:Moon enters Leo 11:31 AM MDTWe have a slow start to the day with a void-of-course moon following yesterday’s solar eclipse. New moons are generally low energy times and often that feeling of low energy can extend to either side of the new moon. The solar eclipse just makes the energy more powerful, including the feeling of being drained. Honor your body and mind and plan a morning to make slow but steady progress. Once we hit the afternoon and the moon is in Leo we will all feel much more energetic.

Saturday July 14th ~ What’s going on today: Moon in Leo void-of-course at 5:12 PM MDTVenus trine SaturnWhat it means: I have a Venus Saturn trine in my natal chart and let me tell you my experience of this aspect. First, love and relationships has a lot to do with responsibility. Both you and your partner must say what they mean and mean what they say. False promises have no place in this energy. If you are finding yourself in relationships that are not as authentic as you might like then it is your responsibility to love yourself enough to say no to these behavior patterns. Because with an aspect like this actions definitely speak louder than words. But that level of commitment is beautiful and creates a safe foundation for your love to grow. Remember that Venus aspects aren’t just about romantic relationships but with all types of relationships including your relationship with money. If you have been bullshitting yourself in any relationship today is the day to get yourself back on track. The Universe is supporting you beautifully.Questions to ask yourself:How strong is my relationship to myself and my relationships with other people and things? What can I do to create better boundaries so that these relationships can thrive even more?

Sunday July 15th ~What’s going on today:Moon enters Virgo at 11:31 AM MDTA relaxing end to a week with a lot going on. The moon is void-of-course until it enters Virgo. I take this as a signal to have a lazy morning and then to enjoy organizing your space and getting things ready for a successful week ahead. Virgo is an earth sign so it’s a great day to get out in your garden or to go for hike in the woods.

Things are changing this week and we might not even be able to see exactly what changes are in store for us yet. But as we learn to embrace the moment (Venus trine Uranus) and let go of what no longer serves us in our lives (New Moon Solar Eclipse) we can prepare to create a firmer foundation for a life we love (Venus trine Saturn).

​It’s a quieter week after the excitement (stress?) we have had over the last several weeks. When things start to calm down personally I like to focus on what I am doing “right” and do more of that! When we get knocked off kilter by more hectic weeks these quieter weeks allow us to renew out routine in order to have a firm foundation for success in our lives. The next few weeks are going to ramp up again as we head into eclipse season and Mercury Rx so take advantage of the calm while you can!

We have the moon void-of-course in the morning and moving into easy-going Pisces around midday. With this type of energy we want to allow our energy to flow naturally. Just don’t get too distracted by your own imagination today!

Tuesday July 3 ~What’s going on today: Moon in Pisces

Having a practice of going with the flow is important with Pisces. As is having a practice of connecting to spirit. As Pisces connects with spirit they are more able to access their natural intuitive abilities. With the moon in Pisces today you, too, can adopt these practices. You don’t have to be a Pisces to have excellent intuition.

What it means: There is a wonderful generosity of spirit with the sun trine Jupiter. We feel optimistic and jovial. The word jovial actually comes from the planet Jupiter in his Roman guise as Jove. We can harness our hope and faith and general good mood and make the most of it today. Living in the moment and being grateful for the blessings of each moment is a wonderful practice for energy like this today because we are more naturally inclined to feel it so it makes it easier. If you have been feeling down lately this is a wonderful aspect to put you back in your natural state of happiness.

Mercury opposes Mars and it’s something of a showdown. I would ask that you take a good look at how you are communicating (Mercury) and determine whether it is aggressive (Mars) or motivational (also Mars). I like to utilize Mercury aspects to create healthier word patterns whether this is how you speak to yourself in your head or how you communicate with others. So today we have the opportunity to motivate others or attack them. Don’t forget that the “other” might very well be the person in the mirror, too. I like to look at my own motivation … am I trying to build someone up or tear someone down? Then I ask myself if what I am trying to do is appropriate and reflective of the type of person I desire to be. If so I consciously gear my thoughts and words to be motivational.

Questions to ask yourself:What do I have to be grateful for today? What gives me faith, hope and optimism? How can I fuel my spirit so that I feel more connected to source energy?

How can I be a motivator to myself and others instead of an aggressor?

Friday July 6th ~ What’s going on today:Moon in Aries

Aries moon loves adventure. They love being on the go and making things happen (even if those things might have been unplanned). Ask yourself how you can be a little more adventurous, a little more active, and a little more of a go-getter today.

When the moon is in Taurus it is great time to working the garden or get out into nature. Taurus, like all earth signs, really thrives when connected to our natural world. If you have the chance to get outside today do it and enjoy. Whether you are in the mountains, at the beach, or in your own backyard we can get in touch with Mother Nature anywhere!

What it means: When the sun and Neptune are in harmony it is like shining a light (the sun) onto our ideals, hopes and dreams (Neptune). Our life can feel a bit surreal, as if we are living inside an impressionist painting. Magical things tend to happen, if we only believe in magic. Use this aspect today to calibrate your daily life with your vision of what your ideal life would look like. There is no reason you cannot live your ideal life every day, in fact, I believe that is one of the reasons we are here in this incarnation. Finding out what makes us sing on the inside and then doing that very thing is sharing your gift with the world.

Questions to ask yourself:What does my ideal day look like? What can I do today to live more in alignment with my ideal vision?

It’s a great week to get back into a state of balance. When things slow down like this we have the chance to actively create our lives in the manner we desire them to be instead of reacting to circumstances which often happens during more hectic weeks. What do you try to do to regain a sense of balance in your life?

The Mars station (which happens on Tuesday) is a big deal. Mars is a powerful planet to begin with but when he turns retrograde we get an extra boost of Mars energy. This is great if you are training for a marathon but not so great if he are fed up and at the end of your metaphorical rope. If you are dealing with anger, frustration, or arguments this week I recommend finding a way to channel that Mars energy into something productive. Exercise, martial arts, even cooking (application of heat) can be great ways to utilize an overabundance of Mars energy. The full moon (on Wednesday) only adds to the mix with some intensity of its own!

What it means: When we have a square between Venus and Jupiter it indicates an overindulgence. It might be too much food, drink, drugs, television, shopping, computer games … anything that you tend to overdo. The reason we overdo it is because Jupiter blows things out of proportion at times and Venus really is the things we love to do. So if you have a sweet tooth watch out! Or stock up … really I am just warning you about the energy … not judging you for how you handle it! On the positive side this can be a great time to do something loving for your significant other. A grand gesture, so to speak. Just be aware that the Mars station is tomorrow so people might be a little more temperamental than usual so if you do make grand gesture do it with a generous heart and without expectation of the reaction you might receive.

Questions to ask yourself:Where do I tend to overdo it in my life? Is this tendency healthy or is it distracting me from where my focus truly should be right now? How can I make a grand gesture of love in myself, whether toward myself or toward another?

What it means: Mars stations retrograde today and will remain in retrograde motion for the next two month. Aquarius is a progressive sign and with Mars reversing course we might feel like our own progress has stopped. And this might make us feel frustrated or angry. Mars can engage those emotions but it can also be our willpower and drive to succeed. So if you are coming up against a wall in your life figure out a way to get over it or go around, instead of beating your head against it. Sometimes going backwards allows us to find a new path forward.

Questions to ask yourself:Where have I been putting my energy and is this working for me? How can I be more active in my daily life? How can I channel my emotions in a manner that is helpful and relevant instead of of overly aggressive?

What it means: The moon moon in Capricorn is tense because Capricorn is not an emotional sign but the moon is an emotional luminary. So here we have the spot light bright on our emotional body but we are not particularly graceful in handling those emotions. To make matters more difficult the moon is conjunct the planet Saturn (and the sun is opposite Saturn) which adds more tension and more anxiety to the mix. Imagine that a disapproving mentor is watching over you as you struggle to verbalize your difficult feelings on an intensely personal topic. It’s a tough full moon but remember that if you do the hard work you will get the rewards you deserve. That is the basic lesson of the planet Saturn and Saturn is the ruler of the sign of Capricorn so we have the theme here that hard work is required but it pays off.

You can take a look back to 6 months ago when we had a new moon in Capricorn (January 16, 2018) and see if there were things in your life that you started working on at that point which are ready to now come to fruition. If you feel that you are spinning your wheels in your quest toward this goal I want to remind you that everyone who has succeeded with a difficult task once felt like you feel now. Keep at it.

The Sabian Symbol for the degree of the full moon is “A Veiled Prophet Speaks, Seized By The Power Of A God”. When we feel called to our purpose, when we feel aligned with a higher power, we don’t always understand exactly what is happening or why. But what we can do is trust our intuition and move in the direction of the divine.

Questions to ask yourself:What are you trying to build in your life right now? How can you buckle down and keep at it with renewed determination? What is your intuition saying right now? Are you acting in a way that is spiritual sound?

What it means: Leo is a mush more sensitive sign than most people realize, and when Mercury comes to visit our thoughts often become taken up with where we are sensitive. But Leo is also a warm and generous sign, as well, so if you do find your thoughts being full of sensitivity go ahead and give yourself a hug, too. If you aren’t quite following me let me give you an example. Let’s pretend that you are sensitive about your appearance. Now Mercury moves into Leo and suddenly you feel like you can’t stop worrying about how you look. But if a friend came to you and confided in you that they were worried about their appearance and were having a hard time you would (ideally) offer them support, compassion, kindness and warmth. Do the same thing for yourself here. Mercury in Leo can be a great time to work on developing self-confidence if you focus on the positive instead of what might be wrong!

Questions to ask yourself:How can I be kinder to myself in my thoughts and words? How can I be supportive and develop more self-confidence, even when I might not feel confident to start?

It’s an all day long void-of-course moon. That means you might feel less motivated than usual. On days like today it’s best to finish up old projects and stick to routine tasks. Finish the laundry. Clean out the inbox. Sort the recycling. Wash the windows.

What it means:I have said many times that I like to use aspects involving Mercury to practice right thinking. The thoughts we think and the words we say have significant impact and with each Mercury aspect we have the opportunity to refine our thought and speech patterns. With an aspect to Uranus we might feel rebellious or like we just want to break free and I invite you to think about how you might break free from thought patterns that are holding you back right now.

Questions to ask yourself:What thought patterns have been holding me back from more personal development? How can I express myself more freely?

I always feel that the slogan for moon in Aquarius should be “Be Weird.” Embrace what makes you unique and share it with the other people in your life. If you feel like marching to a different beat today don’t be shy about it!

The Mars Station and the Full Moon in Capricorn give a powerful intensity to this week. If we are clear on our goals and act from a loving heart space we are going to be just fine.

This is a big week! We have the summer solstice, Neptune retrograde, and Venus opposite Mars, just for starters. Mars goes retrograde next week (June 26th) so he is especially powerful right now. As Mars slows down for his station we will be feeling him strongly so watch out for behavior that is overly aggressive, risky, or even angry … from yourself and from others. (All times in US Mountain Daylight Time - same as Denver.)

What it means: Outer planets like Neptune spend almost half the year in their retrograde phase so Neptune retrograde is not unusual. However the time around the station (when the planet appears to stop it’s forward motion and start moving backwards) is a time when the effects of the planet are magnified. Neptune has an otherworldly vibe; we feel like we are in the twilight zone. Mysterious and unexplainable things might happen. Depending on how Neptune is activating your personal chart you will feel these things in different areas of your life. For example if it is an area that involves health you might be dealing with symptoms that can’t be traced to a specific cause. If it’s in your relationship area there might be some feels that make it more difficult to connect and see your partner clearly. The thing with Neptune, though, is it really is trying to help us dissolve the things in our lives that aren’t working for us anymore in order to create something better. But until we let go of the old things we aren’t going to have a clear idea what we are working toward. If you have doubts about your personal direction in life the best thing I can tell you is to work with god and the angels to trust that the universe is taking you in the right direction.

Questions to ask yourself:What in my life is dissolving? How I can move toward the ideal version of myself? How can I use faith to make life easier right now? Even if I don’t understand what is going on how can I trust that it will all work out?

What it means: Over the course of today and tomorrow we have a Grand Water Trine forming as Mercury translates the light between Jupiter and Neptune. This is am amazing aspect to connect with your intuition and truly get in touch with what is below the surface. Our natural intuitive abilities are stronger than normal and it is much easier to connect with spirit. We can also use this aspects for “big thinking”. If you have been limiting yourself think about how you can expand beyond those self-imposed limitations today.

Questions to ask yourself:What is your intuition saying today? How can you think bigger and more positively about your life situation?

What it means: Mercury rules our thoughts and our words so it is a great planets to work with as we develop healthier self-talk. Neptune is an idealist who dreams of how beautiful life could truly be. With these two energies together we have the ability to combine our thoughts and words with our ideals to create a beautiful inner world that will then be reflected into our outer world. It’s like what life would be like if your life was an impressionist painting.

Questions to ask yourself:Are your thoughts engaging your dreams? Do the thoughts you think and the words you say bring you more into alignment with your ideas?

What it means: The sun moves into the sign of Cancer today which is also known as the summer solstice. It is the day of longest light in the northern hemisphere. After today days start getting shorter for the next six months until we reach the winter solstice and the cycle starts again. Sometimes the sign of Cancer gets a bad reputation for being too emotional but what this sign really teaches is the value of truly caring about those closest to us. What does love and family mean to you? Is “feelings” a bad word? If you are uncomfortable with emotion or have issues with your family connections? If so you can use this month when the sun is in Cancer to shine the light on that area of your life. The truth is that human interaction and nurturing bonds are something we absolutely need in our lives.

Venus Mars aspects are usually great for relationships but this one has an unusually powerful Mars so we need to be pretty careful. Mars stationing in Aquarius is like someone who wants to get their own way and aren’t afraid of hurting some feelings in order to get what they want. Venus is Leo just wants love and affection and is really sensitive if someone is aggressive or pushy. You might play the role of Venus or Mars in this scenario or even both roles in different contexts. Be aware that we might be a little too hurtful or a little too sensitive right now, or both. If you work on being considerate and kind toward ourselves and others we will all be okay.

Questions to ask yourself:How was the bond with your mother? How do you nurture yourself and your relationships? What can you do over the next month to create a sense of peace with your own feelings?

How can I go after what I want while also being considerate of the feelings of the people around me? How can I express my feelings with love instead of anger or hostility?

What it means: Whenever we have aspects between the sun and Uranus the real question is how do I live in the present moment. Words like spontaneity or individuality are important but also think about the power of the present moment. Louise Hay has a wonderful affirmation that I love: “The point of power is always in the present moment.” Think about that today. Better yet, act on it!

Questions to ask yourself:How can I be more in the present moment? How can I let go of thoughts about the past or the future so that I can completely live in the now?

What it means:With the Venus-Mars opposition just a few days ago we might still be feeling a little argumentative with our partners now that we have Mercury opposing Pluto. If you feel like there are things you have been hiding from your partner or keping inside … go ahead and address the issues but be aware that the energy can be confrontational. Think about what you want: a confrontation or authentic communication? Both are possible under an aspect like this but to reach a place of authentic communication we must do so deliberately and conscientiously.

Questions to ask yourself:What are you keeping inside that wants to come out? Are you thinking of your partner (or friend/coworker/other person) as your enemy? If so how can you approach the situation so that you can both end up on the same side instead of opposed to each other?

We have an all day long void-of-course moon which means we are probably feeling somewhat unmotivated. Enjoy the time with friends and family. Take care of routine tasks. Don’t push yourself too hard … it’s the weekend after all!

The Neptune station this week and the Mars station next week and really dominating our energy right now. They are saying “What the hell do I want?” and “Get out of my way so I can get it!” (even if you don’t really know what IT is. Be aware, conscientious, and kind. That always goes a long way, no matter what energy we are dealing with.

Read for your sun sign. If you know your rising sign and moon sign you can read for those signs, too.

Aries

If you have been wanting to meet someone new, Aries, you have some nice “falling in love” transits today. If you are single go right ahead and put yourself on the market! If you are involved with someone think about how to spice things up in a creative manner today.

Taurus

You are being pulled in too many directions lately, Taurus, and you aren’t a fan of trying to do too many things at the same time. You can use today though as a “getaway” whether that means going out for a hike on your favorite trail or working in your backyard garden. Taking care of your connection to nature will help to ground you and protect you from that frenetic energy you have been feeling.

Gemini

It’s a good day for you to get out and explore the neighborhood, Gemini. If you go window shopping you might even find something so great you just cannot pass it by. It’s okay to splurge a little when it means that much to you.

Cancer

You are gaining confidence right now, Cancer, as long as you are able to trust your intuition. It’s really the most important thing. Others might not always welcome your insight but I am telling you that you really do have that connection to your gut that allows you to read between the lines. Today it’s on point so pay attention.

Leo

You are looking great today, Leo! With Venus in your sign you are feeling more attractive than usual and it’s fun to feel good looking. If you have a notion toward more self-development today Leo listen to that message. It’s important.

Virgo

If you want to stay home and recharge today, Virgo, I understand. You have been pushed out into the public eye lately and today you may just want to spend some time recuperating at home and getting organized. It’s okay, you deserve it.

Libra

If there is a party today to go to, Libra, don’t miss it! You have great energy for socializing. It helps even more if there is a deeper purpose behind the party but that’s not completely necessary. You can still promote your cause, and enjoy the company. Have fun today!

Scorpio

I know you aren’t always straight-laced and vanilla, Scorpio, and this weekend shows some tension for you between wanting things to be kinky versus wanting them to be stable. See if you can’t find the path that incorporates the best of both worlds.

Sagittarius

Keeping things real is your challenge lately, Sagittarius. I know that a little exaggeration goes a long way in tale telling but if you are talking to loved ones be careful you aren’t making promises that you can’t keep. People count on you and you don’t need to over-promise. Just be your awesome self.

Capricorn

Awww, Capricorn, you thrive under pressure and thank god because you are seeing a lot of pressure lately! But the planets are blessing you with enhanced intuition lately so be sure to listen to that little voice inside. Today’s message will help you.

Aquarius

You are undergoing a big transformation right now, Aquarius, and being asked to give up something (many things even) that you really care about. But thankfully you don’t have to give up on love and today has some lovely energy to give a boost to your romantic aspirations.

Pisces

It’s a great day to focus on your health routine, Pisces. This is about nourishing yourself in a way that a mother would nourish her child. You are the only one who can truly take care of your body temple, Pisces, and today has some great support for you in this area.